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creating a department style guide

This is a question that would require pages to answer in detail. I am
looking only for a few general suggestions.
I am tasked with creating our department style guide. I need to present a
proposal of how I intend to accomplish this.
Could you please tackle any of the questions below:
In what format should I create the style guide?
How much material and how many areas should I include? Could it be a
template with defined styles and formatting with verbiage under each style
defining what it should be used for?
Should I just list reference books we should consult on matters of usage
while including examples of usage that I want to ensure we follow?
Should I include details such as numbering schemes for different types of
technical material?
I do want to provide guidelines for writing procedures.
Should I suggest techniques we might adhere to; for example, Information
Mapping?
Many of you, I am sure, have been tasked with this responsibility. How does
one go about it - in 7 easy steps?

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